ble's
length from them. I could note every movement as if I had been in their
midst, or within ten feet of them. They all stood fronting in the
direction of the raft; and for this reason I could note their gestures,
and even distinguish the expression upon their features.

Among other things I saw women--I knew they were women only from their
being smaller than those around--I saw women lift up little dark forms
as high as they could raise them, and hold them out in the direction of
the raft. They were their children, their infant piccaninnies, and this
was intended as a supplication to the white runaways to come back and
save them. Others stretched forth their arms and stood in attitudes of
entreaty; while men--the stronger and fiercer ones--shook their clenched
fists in the air and hurled after us loud cries of menace.

Awe-inspiring as was the spectacle, it was neither the threats of the
men nor the supplications of the women that was causing all commotion
among the crew on the raft.

Part of the blaspheming and loud talk that could be heard there arose
from anger that the blacks had been let out; and we could hear several
voices inquiring, in harsh angry tones. "Who has done it? Who has done
it?"

These questions were not asked simply thus, but with the embellishments
of horrid oaths and exclamations that cannot be repeated.

It was just as my companion and I were parting from the bows, that we
heard these questions asked, and so earnest was the tone of the
inquirers, that I at once saw that I had placed myself in a position of
danger.

It appeared that I had committed an imprudence. My humanity had hurried
me to an act that could be of no service in saving the lives of those I
intended to benefit, but was likely to bring destruction upon all--
myself among the rest.

I can scarce say that I repented of what I had done. I should have done
the same deed again. I could have not restrained myself. I had
followed the promptings of mercy. How could I have acted otherwise?

I had such reflections at the moment, or something like them. I cannot
exactly describe my thoughts, for a tumult of strange emotions was
passing through my mind.

I now perceived the danger which threatened the two rafts: I perceived
it on looking back toward burning the vessel: the blacks were
threatening to swim after, and seek refuge upon the rafts. Large
numbers of them showed that they had formed this intention. It wa